Rutherford School
Role Description – School Governor

Governor’s work together to carry out their core functions

  Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
  Holding Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the School and

the performance management of staff.

  Overseeing the financial performance of the School Budget.
  Ensuring the voices of stakeholders is heard.

Governors must also ensure that the Governing body complies with all legal and statutory
requirements and adhere to its Term of Reference, as a delegated sub-committee of The
Garwood Foundation Board of Trustees. (Charity 272905).

Governing body strategic responsibilities
Governing  bodies  work  closely  with  Head  Teachers,  they  are  responsible  for  day  to  day
management whereas the role of the governing body is strategic. As such, governors are
responsible for:

  Determining the mission, values and long-term ambitious vision for the school.
  Deciding the principles that guide school policies and approving key policies.
  Working with senior leaders to develop a strategy for achieving the vision.
  Ensuring that parent, pupils, staff and the wider community are involved  consulted

and informed as appropriate.

  Ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum.
  Monitor health and safety of School site.
  Approving the school’s budget and ensuring it is managed effectively.
  Agreeing  the  school’s  staffing  structure  and  keeping  it  under  review  to  ensure  it

supports the delivery of the strategy.

  Ensuring  robust  risk  management  procedures  are  in  place  and  that  risk  control

measures are appropriate and effective.

  Establish  a  culture  of  high  educational  standards,  which  promotes  staff  and  pupil

wellbeing

  Performance management of the Head Teacher.
  Approve and review school policies, and hold staff to account for their implementation

Monitoring and evaluating school performance

Governors must monitor the priorities that have been set to ensure progress is being made
by:

  Measuring the school’s impact and progress towards its strategic objectives.
  Ensuring  the  required  policies  and  procedures  are  in  place  and  the  school  is

operating effectively in line with these policies.

  Evaluating  relevant  data  and  feedback  provided  by  school  leaders  and  external

reporting on all aspects of school performance.

  Asking challenging questions of school leaders to hold them to account.
  Holding the Head Teacher to account for standards, financial probity and compliance

with agreed policies.

  Visiting the school to monitor implementation of the strategy and reporting back to

the board.

Meeting, Panels and Committees
When required and appropriate, governors are expected to serve on panels or committees:

  Recruitment panels for senior leaders.
  Hear staff grievances and disciplinary matters. (Not Staff Governor)
  Deal with formal complaints.
  The Garwood Foundation Finance Committee (Finance Governor)
  Meet with School Safeguarding leaders (Safeguarding Governor)
  Be available during any Ofsted visits.
  Other topical sub-committees across Foundation relevant to their area of

knowledge.

Contribution to the governing body
Governors should ensure that they are making a positive and meaningful contribution to
the governing body by:

  Attending meetings (a minimum of 3 full governing board meetings and a number of
committee meetings each year), reading papers and preparing questions for senior
leaders in advance.

  Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with Leaders, Trustees and

colleagues on the board.

  Getting to know the school; making visits to the school occasionally during school

hours.

  Attending School/Foundation events and celebrations.
  Undertaking induction training and developing knowledge and skills on an ongoing

basis.

Personal interests

  Put responsibilities as a governor before personal interests.
  Ensure any business or pecuniary interests are declared as required and withdraw

from meetings as appropriate.

Other

  Maintain confidentiality
  Act at all times fairly and without prejudice.
  Support the school in the community, exercising prudence and tact if contentious
issues affecting the school arise outside the GB, and follow procedures agreed by
the GB.

Skills and experience

  1

Essential

Desirable

 Critical listening and ability to ask
effective questions

 Strategic thinking

 Excellent communication

 Problem-solving and analysis

 Living or working with children or
young people with a disability or
additional needs.

 Finance and/or accounting
knowledge

 Work in Health Services and/or
nursing

 Knowledge of education and/or
PMLD

 Marketing and communications skills

 HR experience

 Leadership and management skills

Time commitment

The time commitment for school governors will vary. However, all governors must attend
at least 3 meetings of the full board per year. The term of office is 3 years.

Some Governors may sit on a committee focused on an area they have knowledge of, or
are particularly interested in, for example, the finance committee. Committees generally
meet up to 3 times a year.

Preparation  for  meetings  includes  reading  papers  and  preparing  questions  for  senior
leaders.

You will also be expected to undertake any training required to enable you to discharge
your role effectively.

Governors are also expected to visit the school while it is open to pupils at least 3 times
per year.

If you would like to know more about becoming a school governor, please contact:

Director of Services:

 Lee.bennett@garwoodfoundation.org.uk

Chair of Governors:

Jackiesanders@live.co.uk

Visit:      https://garwoodfoundation.org.uk/          https://rutherfordschool.org.uk/

V1 8/2/21

  2

Teaching Assistant – Advert

£20,527 p.a.

Full time (35 hours per week)

Term time only

Start  Date:  As  soon  as  possible

About Us:

At Rutherford School, we are a dedicated and inclusive school that provides exceptional
education and support for children with special educational needs, including profound and
multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Our goal is to create an environment where every
young person can thrive, reach their full potential, and feel valued as part of our
community.

Our  cohort  is  currently  aged  from  16 - 25  years.  All  our  pupils  are  wheelchair  users,  are
medically  dependent  and  require  support  with  personal  care.  Pupils  have  access  to
fantastic facilities which include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms and onsite
therapists and registered nurses.

The Role:

We are seeking passionate and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our team and
support our students with PMLD. As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with
our teachers, therapists and other support staff to help provide tailored learning
experiences, promote positive behaviour, and ensure the well-being and safety of our
students.

You will assist with both individual and group activities, supporting students in the
classroom and beyond, and ensuring they have access to a rich and stimulating educational
experience. This is a very rewarding role, offering the opportunity to make a real difference
in the lives of students who require highly individualized care and teaching.

The  hours  of  work  will  be  from  8:30  am  to  4:00  pm.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Assist the class teacher in delivering lessons tailored to students with PMLD.
•  Provide 1:1 and group support, helping students engage with their learning and

personal development.

•  Support with personal care and daily living tasks, including feeding, toileting, and

mobility, as required.

•  Monitor and record students' progress, noting key developments and challenges.
•  Contribute to the creation of individualised learning plans and support strategies.

•  Foster a positive, safe, and nurturing environment where students feel encouraged

and valued.

•  Collaborate with the teaching team and external professionals to ensure a holistic

approach to student development.

•  Assist with students' social and emotional development, promoting independence

and building confidence.

For  all  these  duties  (and  more)  you  will  receive  a  first-class  induction  and  ongoing
training  from  qualified  professionals.  You  will  be  assigned  a  'buddy'  to  mentor  you
and  make  sure  that  you  are  confident  in  your  new  role,  and  you  will  have  a  teacher
and  senior  TA  who  will  set  targets  for  you  whilst  supporting  you.

Person Specification:

•  Experience working with children or adults with PMLD, learning disabilities, or other

special needs (desirable).

•  A patient, empathetic, and flexible approach to supporting students with complex

needs.

•  Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
•  Good communication skills, both with students and colleagues.
•  Willingness to undertake further training, including safeguarding and manual

handling.

•  A positive, can-do attitude and a genuine passion for supporting children with special

educational needs.

Qualifications:

•  A Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) is desirable, but not

essential.

•  Relevant qualifications or training in special educational needs, such as a Level 2 or 3

in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) would be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

•  Be part of a supportive, friendly, and dedicated team.
•  Receive ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
•  Make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with profound and multiple

learning disabilities.

•  Work in a nurturing environment with small class sizes, allowing for tailored and

individual support.

What  We  Offer

•  Hours  of  work  are  35  hours  per  week  ( 8:30am  -  4pm),  Monday  to  Friday,  term

time only. Flexible working will be considered.

•  Competitive  and  negotiable  rates  of  pay.

•  Career progression opportunities within the school, for higher level TA posts

with additional responsibilities.

How to Apply:

If you have a passion for supporting children with special needs and want to join a school
that values diversity, inclusion, and personal development, we would love to hear from you.

We  consider  applications  throughout  the  year.  To  download  an  application  form  and
Job  description  please  visit  our  website  on:  www.rutherfordschool.org.uk.

Completed  applications  are  to  be  emailed  to:  rutherford@rutherfordschool.org.uk   or
sent  by  post  to  the  attention  of:  HR  Manager,  Rutherford  School,  1a  Melville  Avenue,
South Croydon, CR2 7HZ.

The vacancy  advertised is  subject to  receiving two satisfactory  references and an
enhanced DBS  and medical clearance check.

Rutherford School  is committed  to  safeguarding and promoting  the welfare  of  children
and  expects  all  staff  to  share  this  commitment.  We  are  an  equal  opportunity
employer.  References  and  DBS  Disclosure  will  be  required  for  the  successful
applicant.  Photographic  identification,  evidence  of  right  to  work  in  the  UK  and
certificates  of  any  relevant  qualifications  will  need  to  be  provided  at  interview  stage.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Ruther for d School, 1 a Melville Avenue, South Cr oydon, CR 2  7 HZ

Tel: 020 8688 7560 ,  Fax: 020 8406 8220

Email:  r uther for d@rutherfor dschool.org.uk

Website:  www.r utherfordschool.org.uk

Registered  C harity  No.  272905

Home » Jobs & Careers

Jobs & Careers

Working for Garwood is not just a job, it encapsulates so much more.

The magic that happens behind the doors of all our sites has to be seen to be believed. Why not contact us to come and see – we know you won’t be disappointed. All vacancies across all sites will be posted here. Please send your CV and covering letter to: human.resources@garwoodfoundation.org.uk

Care Assistant (Rutherford School)

We are seeking passionate and compassionate Care Assistants to join our team and support our students with PMLD. You will assist with both individual and group activities, supporting students in the classroom and beyond, and ensuring they have access to a high-quality program of care. This is a very rewarding role, offering the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students who require highly individualised care and teaching.

Community Governors

Governors are essential for the effectiveness and success of our charity and it is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling role. We are looking for Governors who are able to offer their expertise, valuable knowledge and experience to our unique charity.

If you are interested, please send your CV or a letter of interest to HR.

HR/Finance Administrator

We are seeking a motivated and well-organised HR/Finance Administrator to provide essential administrative support to both our HR Officer and Finance Manager. This is a varied and rewarding role, ideal for someone with strong attention to detail and an interest in both HR and finance functions within the charitable or care sector.

Teaching Assistant (Rutherford School)

We are seeking passionate and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our team and support our students with PMLD. As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with our teachers, therapists and other support staff to help provide tailored learning experiences, promote positive behaviour, and ensure the well-being and safety of our students.

You will assist with both individual and group activities, supporting students in the classroom and beyond, and ensuring they have access to a rich and stimulating educational experience. This is a very rewarding role, offering the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students who require highly tailored care and teaching.

Voluntary Escorts (Bramley Hill)

Would you like to gain valuable experience in the care sector? If so Bramley Hill Day Centre is looking for volunteers to assist drivers during morning pick up and afternoon drop off.

If you are interested please contact Khaled.

Volunteers for activity sessions (Bramley Hill)

Bramley Hill Day Centre always welcomes volunteers for weekly or monthly sessions, particularly in the following:

• Singing/Music sessions
• Drama sessions
• Basic IT tutor
• Activity tutor/co-ordinator

Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.

If you are interested please contact Maryam

Volunteers for our Charity Shops

If you are interested, please send your CV to our shop manager.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAINTENANCE STAFF

Job Title: Caretaker & Maintenance Person
Reports to: Headteacher / Premises Manager
Location: South Croydon and Surroundings

Job Purpose

The Caretaker / Maintenance Person will play a key role in ensuring that the school
and associated charity shops are safe, secure, and well maintained. The post-holder
will be responsible for the upkeep of buildings, grounds, vehicles, and facilities
across both settings. This includes carrying out a wide range of maintenance,
compliance, and security duties to support the smooth running of daily operations
and to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for pupils, staff, volunteers, customers,
and visitors.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

School Transport

  Transport school buses to and from the garage as required (shared

responsibility).

  Carry out routine vehicle checks, including oil, water, fuel, and clamping

equipment.

  Maintain the cleanliness and presentation of the school buses.

Grounds and Gardens (School)

  Undertake grass cutting, weeding, pruning, and low-level tree trimming.
  Water plants and maintain outdoor water features.
  Pressure wash paths and keep external areas clear of debris.
  Carry out repairs to fencing and other outdoor structures.
  Clear leaves from paths and roofs to prevent hazards.
  Apply salt and grit to paths during winter to ensure safety.

Building Maintenance (School and Charity Shops)

  Ensure gutters and drains are kept clear and functional.

  Undertake painting, decorating, and general repair work.
  Complete minor plumbing repairs and maintenance.
  Collect maintenance materials from local suppliers when required.
  Assist with small refurbishment projects and site improvements.

Facilities and Compliance (School)

  Assist with the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) of school equipment.
  Deliver and collect equipment to and from student homes when required.
  Unlock the school in the mornings and secure the premises at the end of the

day.

  Conduct weekly fire alarm tests and monthly emergency lighting checks.
  Carry out monthly checks of water temperatures in line with compliance

requirements.

  Assist with setting up facilities, including erecting the marquee as required.
  Ensure school toilets are appropriately stocked with consumables.
  Undertake quarterly descaling of shower heads, hoses, and kettles.

Swimming Pool Maintenance (School)

  Test and record water chemical levels daily (Monday to Friday) to meet

required standards.

  Clean the pool and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and hygienic

environment.

  Carry out routine pool maintenance tasks, including weekly backwashing of

filters.

Charity Shops

  Carry out minor repairs, decorating, and maintenance to ensure shops remain

safe, functional, and presentable.

  Assist with PAT testing of all electrical items
  Support shop staff and volunteers with practical facilities tasks when required.
  Respond to any maintenance or compliance issues promptly.

Person Specification

Essential

  Proven experience in caretaking, maintenance, or a similar role.
  Competence in a wide range of practical skills, including basic plumbing,

painting, and general repairs.

  Ability to carry out groundskeeping and gardening tasks.
  Understanding of health and safety requirements in both school and retail

environments.

  Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.

  Reliability, flexibility, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a

team.

  Ability to use hand tools and electrical power tools safely and effectively.
  Able to work independently, managing own schedule and using initiative.
  Strong communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with

staff, students, and contractors, demonstrating a cooperative and
approachable attitude.

  Calm under pressure, with confidence in responding to emergencies.
  Confident working at height and capable of manual handling and heavy lifting

(training provided).

  Conscientious and reliable, taking pride in the quality of work delivered.
  Knowledge of basic health and safety requirements.
  Full, clean UK driving licence.
  Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Desirable

  Previous experience working in a school or educational environment.
  Previous experience supporting retail/charity shop operations.
  Knowledge of pool maintenance procedures.
  PAT testing experience (training may be provided).